From USA Today Bestselling Author, A.M. Hargrove, comes the 3rd stand alone book in the West Brothers Novels.They say there’s a fine line between love and hate. Ours was a mile wide. To put it bluntly, my life sucked. When I finally got up the courage to divorce my jerk of a husband, never in a million years did I imagine his prick of an attorney would gain him full custody of my daughter. My … full custody of my daughter.
My scant two weekend visits per month killed me.
And my ex made it as difficult as possible on me every single time.
So imagine my shock when said attorney’s name appeared at the top of the list
at the in-patient substance abuse clinic where I worked as a counselor.
My list.
The first thing that occurred was I completely lost my Zen.
Then my blood boiled.
Then his chart flew across the room and slammed into the wall.
How could this possibly be happening?
Karma couldn’t be this cruel.
How in the world could I be an empathetic abuse counselor to the cocky Pearson West, who destroyed my life?
I would rather become an addict myself, or better yet, strangle him first.
This is a full-length, contemporary, single-mom, enemies-to-lovers, romance.
I’m so in love with this story, the amazing characters and the storyline. This 6 star story was just beautifully executed to perfection. TDC reviews
I was captured and tied down to this book within one instant. Most of the time I wasn’t sure whether it was a romance or a thriller that I held in my hands and devoured it in every spare minute I had. Andrea, Goodreads Reviewer
The plot was fast paced from beginning to end and the tension and suspense had me gripping my kindle so tight my knuckles were white. Make My Day Books
more
What would you do if your first love hurt you so bad that it almost killed you? Literally..
Pearson West knows there is no other way but up at this point, he has to pick himself back up and forget his first love and the great feelings it gave him. He can’t continue down the path he is on.
Rose is a counselor and when she sees Pearson’s name in her stack of new patients she realizes things are not going to end well, considering he is the one who ruined her life! He gave her husband custody of her child so she only gets to see her daughter every other weekend which is just simply not enough for a mother who has nothing but love for her child. Oh, and did I mention her ex makes it as difficult for her as possible.. Every. Single. Time.
When Pearson and Rose first meet the tension is miserably high, it is clear she has quite a bit of disdain for him and he can’t figure out why she hates him so much when she doesn’t even know him. He doesn’t think they have ever met, he soon finds out how wrong he really was.
Can Rose put aside her personal feelings in order to help Pearson or will everything go up in flames? Will she be able to continue helping him or will she need to recuse herself from helping him and find somebody else to do it?
This book was… unimaginable. It hurt my heart so much, I knew what Pearson’s family was going through. This book was such a rush of feelings, It took me a few days to be able to put into words how much this book hit me. This is definitely one of those books that stays with you that you will never forget, at least it is for me. It’s such a dark, sweet, intense, thrilling, uncertain book. I couldn’t decide how to feel.
Let’s talk twists for a second, what the heck was that?! I couldn’t believe what I was reading. I wanted to just cry, Pearson’s and Rose’s emotions were so tangible it was like I could reach out and touch them during that whole scenario. I grieved so hard, and loved even more.
This book seemed like it tried to kill me with so many emotions. I didn’t think my heart could take much more and then BAM! This was so much more than a book to me, and they were so much more than just fictional characters.
Thank you A.M. Hargrove for your amazing words and your incredible talent! I will for sure be reading more of your work.
Wow this book has turned me into a complete emotional wreck. My heart was crushed but it was also rebuilt with this beautifully written story from A.M Hargrove.
Pearson and Rose’s story made me laugh as much as it made me cry all the more so thanks to the very adorable Montana.
Pearson is in the darkest depths of his drug and alcohol addiction, when he finds himself in rehab. When he meets his therapist Rose he has no idea their paths have previously crossed and the impact he had on her life but now it’s Rose’s job to help him and it won’t be easy for her but the more they get to know each other the more the discover just how much they need each other.
A fantastic 5 star read and if you haven’t met the West brothers yet then I have to ask, what are you waiting for you will definitely not be disappointed!!!
This is another author that I had only read one other but really enjoyed to writing. When I seen this one it caught my attention with the storyline and the author cinched it. You get to first meet Pearson with over the top stuff that happens. Then you get a sense of his soon to be person who will play a big part in his life-Rose. She also has a little package that will tug on your heart. Anyways the path they soon travel has the nerve to ensnare you placing you deeply into their lives. At times I would get perturbed with the brother but I was busy getting sucked in totally. What a trip you are given with the writing top quality and provided escape superb.
Wow! I’m speechless! I could not wait for Pearson West’s story and it did not disappoint. It pulled me in from the start! What a mess Pearson’s life has become from an injury. Rose works at the rehab Pearson is in. He’s her ex’s divorce lawyer who helped him get custody of their daughter. This book had my emotions all over the place. The relationship that develops between Pearson and Rose is beautiful. There were twists, turns, secrets I did not see coming. I loved this story and these brothers. This book can be read as a standalone but why miss out on the West brothers!
OMG, you have so many feels with this book. You totally understand why Rose would hate Pearson, and then to have to help him! Huh, but when these two get together the love you have for both of them just consumes you and you want the best for them..Lovely, lovely book..I love you Pearson..
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
Fantastic story about a lawyer, drug addict and alcoholic, who falls victim to a beating and overdose in an alley behind a bar. He almost dies, then is transferred to rehab and after that, a clinic where he will receive help on overcoming or controlling his addiction. When he arrives, his assigned counsellor is very hostile to him. Turned out that he’s the lawyer responsible for her losing her adored daughter’s custody to her abusive ex-husband!
This story has many levels and many feelings. At times angsty, other times very cheesy, most of the time intense, warm-hearted, heart-wrenching and all time riveting and fascinating.
Pearce West used to be a very successful lawyer, cut-throat, aggressive, accustomed to win his cases and not very mindful to the ethics of his clients or his wins. Brought down by his downfall, humbled by the disappointment he feels he brought to his family, he’s open to new feelings and thoughts. When he realized what his actions caused to his counselor and rummages within his mind to what brought him to his addiction, he turns a 180 change to his life.
This book is a fascinating journey in the mind of a recovering addict, the process and the suffering. It also has suspense and family drama, as he helps Rose recover the custody of her daughter, and they face a ruthless psychopath who will stop at nothing to thwart Rose and Pearce. Pearce has a beautiful family who stands behind him, helping in all the efforts to overcome his addiction and help the woman he’s falling for. We have passion, a beautiful little girl who makes Pearce rethink his thoughts against marriage and kids, mentors who help him along the journey against his addition, a crew of bodyguards, family who will stop at nothing in order to get their family together. Rose was a beautiful and intuitive character. Once she forgave Pearce, she succumbed to the incredible attraction and chemistry they had, and they were a very powerful couple. She was instrumental in his recovery and he was instrumental in her getting her daughter back, a power couple!
I was riveted reading this story, and although I cringed whenever the author presents the very cheesy parts involving clicky shoes and dancing, I very much enjoyed this book.
5 star
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, secrets, and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
From Ashes To Flames (West Brothers, #1)
From Ice To Flames (West Brothers #2)
This is Rose and Pearson’s story. Rose and Pearson have a history he was he ex husband’s attorney. He made sure she ended up with almost no time for her daughter. So, when his name shows up on her list at the in-patient substance abuse clinic she is furious. Can she help him when he had no trouble ruing her life? He can’t even remember her or how his job impacted her life. Can they work together not only to heal him but to learn about forgiveness? Can they move forward in life without the past coming between them? What happens when feeling get involved? Is it safe to fall for someone that hurt you so much in the past even if he forgot about it?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I highly recommend this book.
This book is intense with raw emotion. It also deals with really tough issues. That’s where the raw emotion comes from. Watching Pearson with his recovery is humbling and impactful. Then with Rose and her daughter what they go through hit me right in the heart. This book really shows you there are rainbows after a storm. Hang in there because you have the courage and worth to reach the HEA waiting for you. The end of this book was beautiful because everything that these characters endured they deserve the reward at the end. I also loved the set up for the spin off series to come. That little tidbit whetted my appetite for more.
OMG all the freaking stars!!! This book is PERFECTION! AM Hargrove, Pearson West’s story is such a gift. I never expected a story this soulful, full of rebirth, gratitude, sensitivity to an especially difficult topic. Rose and Pearson are a gift to each other, soooo swoony, a little slow burn romance. They make my heart burst, while I cried in the difficult times.
There are so many fantastic parts to this story. My absolute favorite is Pearson’s relationship with Montana, pure ovary explosion! He’s the sweetest man when talking to 4 year old Montana, this is SWOON city! Secondly, Pearson’s relationship with his family, especially his brothers, Grey and Hudson (if you haven’t read the first 2 books, they’re must reads!). The strength found in his family and the unconditional love from his brothers is the perfect compliment to Pearson’s macho exterior, revealing his mushy center. Thirdly, Pearson’s emotional growth. Annie Hargrove took the sensitive topic of addiction and explored it with such grace.
From Smoke to Flames is a total emotional roller coaster. The highs, the lows, the danger, the passion and love….it all comes together to make this story AMAZING. I weeped with Pearson and Rose, laughed with Montana and her Mister, and felt every sentence to my core. The West Brothers series is honestly one of my favorites from A.M. Hargrove. But Pearson’s story is my favorite from how touching it is. Hudson is the funniest, and Grey (well I’m a little behind on my reading) so I’ll fill you in when I devour his story! It’s early in the year, but I’m calling From Smoke to Flames one of my top reads of 2019!!
5 STARS
A.M. HARGROVE is a phenomenal author. The way she writes a story, is absolutely mind boggling. The way she weaves certain aspects into a story, will throw you for a loop. The way the she let’s her characters tell their own stories , in their own words, makes it that much more relateable and understanding. This Dual POV had my heart laid wide open, wanting and needing more. She choose words that had me grappling for more, more words, more emotions, more understanding, just more of everything. She hit every emotion in my body with ; From Smoke To Flames. She choose topics, that are real life issues most families see day to day. Topics that will drag you to the bottom of a bottle, just so you can drown. I applaud you A.M.Hargrove, for facing the reality of what most of us deal with. I know it most definitely was not an easy road to go down, fiction or nonfiction.
*Before I continue with my review, I just want to let you know I don’t intend to spoil this book and give many details, because as a human being and someone that has dealt with the same issues, I feel that it is in the best interest to see for yourself what this plot is all about, without me spoiling it.
Both of these characters deal with issues that are unthinkable, but are brought together for a reason. While one fights demons of their actions, the other is trying to keep their head above water while dealing with life, after divorce Both try to find grounding in this thing called life with courage, strength, and understanding. From Smoke To Flames is a heavy book, with heavy issues. This is one book that will not be leaving my mind for a while.
As I previously mentioned, From Smoke To Flames is a book with that deals with heavy issues. With that being said, can both Rose and Pearson beat the odds and battle their own demons, or will they go up in smoke?
* I 100% recommend this book.
* Reviewed For Reviews From The Heart
A.M. HARGROVE is a phenomenal author. The way she writes a story, is absolutely mind boggling. The way she weaves certain aspects into a story, will throw you for a loop. The way the she let’s her characters tell their own stories , in their own words, makes it that much more relateable and understanding. This Dual POV had my heart laid wide open, wanting and needing more. She choose words that had me grappling for more, more words, more emotions, more understanding, just more of everything. She hit every emotion in my body with ; From Smoke To Flames. She choose topics, that are real life issues most families see day to day. Topics that will drag you to the bottom of a bottle, just so you can drown. I applaud you A.M.Hargrove, for facing the reality of what most of us deal with. I know it most definitely was not an easy road to go down, fiction or nonfiction.
*Before I continue with my review, I just want to let you know I don’t intend to spoil this book and give many details, because as a human being and someone that has dealt with the same issues, I feel that it is in the best interest to see for yourself what this plot is all about, without me spoiling it.
Both of these characters deal with issues that are unthinkable, but are brought together for a reason. While one fights demons of their actions, the other is trying to keep their head above water while dealing with life, after divorce Both try to find grounding in this thing called life with courage, strength, and understanding. From Smoke To Flames is a heavy book, with heavy issues. This is one book that will not be leaving my mind for a while.
As I previously mentioned, From Smoke To Flames is a book with that deals with heavy issues. With that being said, can both Rose and Pearson beat the odds and battle their own demons, or will they go up in smoke?
* I 100% recommend this book.
*Reviewed for Reviews From the Heart
~ Ashley
I knew that Pearson’s book was going to be intense even before reading the blurb. After reading the blurb I was even more sure about the intensity thing, because seriously that blurb had me going “Whoa”. And I was right, this baby is all KINDS of intense…just not in the way I figured it would be. I’m not disappointed in any way by how things went in this book, but I am thankful for those sweet, smexy and oh so funny moments (OMG Clicky shoes) that balanced everything out and made for a great read.
Pearson, Pearson, Pearson. This man. I couldn’t help but adore him. My heart hurt for him and I empathized with what he was going through, but watching as he was determined to get a handle of his addiction, the issues that triggered it and want to make amends, it was hard not to fall for the man. He is charming, compassionate and I loved his honesty, not only with himself, but with those he loves. I adored Rose from the moment I met her. She is kind, compassionate and fierce. She’s had a rough go of it in more ways than one, but she finds a way to work through it all and come out the better person. Her love for her daughter is undeniable and her desire to help others makes her someone I’d love to be friends with.
After reading the blurb I honestly thought the angstyness was going to fly between Pearson and Rose, I really did and no one can blame me for that one. But while there was some tension and a moment or two, they actually handled things quite well and ended up having a slow burn romance I really enjoyed. Their bantering was a fun, the smexy was HAWT and I really loved how they helped to make each other stronger. As for the bumps in their road, they ran the gamut, but the big twist was an intense one, but I loved how it helped to make them even stronger.
I really enjoyed this one, but man was it intense. The issues that both Pearson and Rose have to deal with, separately and together were heavy ones, but I liked how they were all handled and how they worked out. I loved catching up with the West clan, they were as warm and funny as I remember them. Kinsley was a standout, but Montana, Rose’s daughter, definitely brought the cuteness and heart to the story. I’m sad that this is the last of series, but from what happened in that epilogue it isn’t a total a hui hou…so bring on the next book!
~ Copy provided by Give Me Books & voluntarily reviewed ~
From Smoke to Flames by A.M. Hargrove is book three in the West Brothers Series. Every book is about another couple and can be read as a standalone. For better understanding and because there are a few cross-overs, I recommend to read the books in order. The previous books are From Ashes to Flames, Grey and Marin’s story and From Ice to Flames, Hudson and Milly’s story.
From Smoke to Flames is Pearson and Rose’s heartwrenching and emotional gutting story.
Pearson West is a 35 year old lawyer. He’s the youngest of the West children and he’s an addict. Plain and simple. The story starts out when he finds himself in the hospital and we accompany him through the hardest fight of his life. And oh boy, what a fight he has on his hands. Pearson has a long long way to go, and my heart was breaking for him.
Rose Wilson is a psychologist , works as counselor at a rehab center. Her personal life is a difficult one. I won’t spoiler here, only so much, Pearson and Rose have more in common as it seems at the first look.
I was captivated from chapter one and read the book sitting on the edge of my seat, till THE major twist came. And then I was out, sorry to say, it’s a great read, but the actions of one sidekick made me so angry, I wanted to yell at her. Ask her how can you act so callous, he’s your own. Like I said, I won’t spoiler here, till this point it was a easy 5 stars read for me, I’m sad and sorry to say, after she had me in knots I can’t give they anymore.
Wow. Ok. This. Book. Though. This was an emotionally driven story about some really hard, real life struggles. The characters were amazing and I loved the way that the author beautifully explains the hardship of this disease. I can not explain how quickly you need to add this to your “must read” list!
Pearson suffered from a shoulder injury and the pain meds now have him struggling with addiction. He wanted to fix his life but wasn’t sold in rehab but quickly realizes that it is his only option. He expected help getting clean, he didn’t expect to learn so much about himself, who he was and who he wants to be.
Rose is an addiction therapist and really doesn’t want to work with this new patient, after all it’s his fault that her life is so hopeless. But a friend gives her the idea that maybe he is also the one that can help her.
Can these two wade through all of the issues at their feet before it is to late or will history continue to repeat itself??
A heart wrenching and beautiful read. I loved Grey and Hudson, but Pearson is by far my favorite. This story weaves a tale of addiction and fighting for one’s happiness and life. Pearson and Rose are two characters brought together at their worst times and wind up being the very best for one another. I found myself laughing, crying and never wanting this story to end. Highly recommended read for anyone looking for romance, laughter, and one addictive read that you will not want to put down.
Pearson and Rose’s story was so worth the wait! I knew from reading the other stories in the West Brothers series that Pearson’s story was going to break my heart. Ms. Hargrove has created a special place with these amazing men and their wives and children that weave their way into your heart. Rose is a strong woman who will stop at nothing to get custody of her child from her ex. Pearson’s world comes crashing down and Rose is there to help him pick up the pieces. These two have so much love and develop such a trust with one another. The story is hearbreaking and yet a true story of survival for both Rose and Pearson. It was a great read and great way to end the series. I’m excited to see the next series kick off which is a spin off from this one. This can be read as a standalone, but the West Brothers are all such great stories, you will want to read them all!
Out of all the West boys, this one by far has hit me the hardest. What Hargrove did with this story had me so twisted and emotional. There were highs and lows and so much more. Pearson was always the one that intrigued me in the prior books and I so wanted to know what was going on with him. When things implode for him and it came time for him to get the help, my heart ached for him. Hiding so much but turned into such a fighter. Then you have Rose, who’s world was turned upside down thanks to Pearson and her ex. But I loved the development that Rose has as a person. How she comes to the point to know it wasn’t Pearson that caused it, it was just what he was hired to do. And Pearson. I love how he realized things that he had done caused pain for others and works on himself to work on helping others.
Overall, there were so many twists and turns and epic moments in this story. I giggled, I swooned and I wanted to bawl seeing what Pearson and Rose went through. There was the right amount of angst and passion. It was just a beautifully written story that keeps you wrapped up in every single word. This was a stunning story and I highly recommend it to everyone!
A West Brothers Novel
Oh I was so waiting for Pearson’s story and it was well worth the wait!
In reading the first two novels in this series, I knew that Pearson was struggling, but to see the depth of his struggles was heartbreaking. And his strength and openness about getting the help he needed made him even more appealing in my eyes.
Rose is his counselor at the treatment facility, but when she finds out who he is and their history together, sparks and judgements fly! I could understand her anger and I admired that she knew when to have him move to a different counselor.
Rose is a woman of strength, even though she is the first to admit she is not. She has an inner strength that is amazing and what she has had to go through in her life and come out the other side as this amazing person is awe inspiring!
I loved this story so hard. I enjoyed Pearson’s boldness in stating his wants and plans with Rose. I also loved the fact that Pearson understood his road to recovery and made sure he was doing the right things to get there. I also liked the fact that Rose didn’t fight the recommendations made by Pearson to keep her safe.
This book and this whole series was phenomenal and I can’t wait to see what Ms. Hargrove has in store for us in the new West Sisters series!!
A phenomenal, angsty, intense must read! From Smoke To Flames is one of the best books I have ever read. Talk about a book hangover! Even now, days later, I am having trouble putting into words how fantastic this one is and I cannot stop thinking about it. It ripped me to shreds only to sew me back together piece by piece.
Person is sweet, sexy and damaged. His determination to move past his addiction was inspiring and had me falling further in love with him with every page.
My heart ached for Rose and all that she had been through. Yet even with everything she is still sweet and compassionate.
This is my first read by Hargrove but it will not be my last. I am hooked. This one can most definitely be read as a stand alone, however, I will know be going back to read the others in this series, and anything else I can get my hands on by this amazing, new to me, author!
I highly recommend you pick this one up immediately! You won’t be sorry!
From Smoke To Flames by A.M. Hargrove is the story of Pearson and Rose. This is book #3 in the series and can be seen as a complete standalone.
Pearson West is a 35 year old lawyer. He’s the youngest of the West kids and he’s a drug addict. Period. The story starts when he finds himself in the hospital where he almost died and we read as he goes through the hardest fight of his life.
Pearson has a long long way to go before that “monkey” is off his back and he is in for the fight of his entire life.
Rose is his psychologist and counselor at the drug treatment facility, but when she finds out who he is and what their history was together(no spoilers) fireworks and huge judgements start flying! This was an emotionally driven story about some really hard hitting, real life struggles. This story, without giving much away, has it all—drama, angst, heartbreak, suspense, romance, tension, sizzle,feels, bad villain and adorable kid. This is one book you dont want to miss!! Rose and Pearson will have you hooked from the start and will hold you tight and right until the last word on the very last page.
My Rating: 4.5 stars*****